Two visiting American humanitarian and philanthropist, guests of Youth Action International (YAI) said they are impressed with the country, the development that is taking place, and indicated that what they are seeing on ground for themselves by far contradicts what they have been hearing about Liberia.

According to them, when they reached the decision to come to Liberia, they were informed by the US State Department and others not to come here because “it was not too okay.”

Madam Anna Meker Anderson, Director of Greener Diamond and Mr. Johnny Littlefield, actor and producer of one of America’s best TV series, Exterme Makeover,  who minced no words in their description of the beauty of the country and the hospitality of the Liberian people, said they have seen a complete contrasts in what they were told.

They both said their hearts go to the young people who suffered the blunt of the decade-long conflict, and promised to provide opportunities for them to change their status.

The visiting Americans also said they would endeavor to engineer youth development programs for Liberian youth to enable them realize the full capacity of their potential.

Addressing a news conference at the weekend at the offices of YAI, they also pledged to work with YAI in identifying and exploring available means by which the young people of Liberia could be assisted, to enable them become good citizens of Liberia.

Madam Anderson said her organization, Greener Diamond, which is operating in few African Countries contributing to youth development program was prepared to work with YAI go into communities across the country to provide training and other capacity building opportunities for youthful Liberians.

She said: “We Greener Diamond decided they needed to be an alternative for the consumer for humanity and the earth with respect.”

The mission of Greener Diamond, according to  information posted on the organization is “to give back to those who have suffered due to earth mined, diamonds; inspire a generation independent of an unethical industry and empowered consumers to make informed decision.”

For his part, Actor Littlefield thanked YAI for what it is doing for the young people of Liberia and said he and his delegation were prepared to visit and work with YAI in support of its ongoing programs.

More besides, they are expected to tour the organization’s center for women empowerment, participate in several of its teacher trainings and visit YAI’s supported orphanages and agricultural programs.

Meanwhile, the American actor said he would be pleased to establish an entity in Liberia that would promote and develop actors if he sees as a result of his action –training and workshop - with local actors and actresses.

Speaking before the two American humanitarians, YAI’s Executive Director Kimie Weeks welcomed them to Liberia and said they were here to work with his institution in helping the young people of Liberia, some of whom do not have the means to help themselves.

He said recent unfolding events in the educational system such as the massive failure of the WAEC exams and the poor showing of students in the University of Liberia Entrance Exam leave the need for something to be done, not just one people but all concerned Liberians.

Youth Action International is a non-profit organization that has spearheaded programs strategically developed to break cycles of violence and poverty in the post-conflict countries of Liberia, Sierra Leone, Burundi, Rwanda and Uganda.